Beyond Belief

My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape

By: Jenna Miscavige Hill

Narrated by: Sandy Rustin

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Non-Fiction, 2014

Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of Church of Scientology leader David Miscavige, was raised as a Scientologist but left the controversial religion in 2005. In Beyond Belief, she shares her true story of life inside the upper ranks of the sect, details her experiences as a member Sea Org - the church's highest ministry - speaks of her "disconnection" from family outside of the organization, and tells the story of her ultimate escape.

In this tell-all memoir, Jenna Miscavige Hill, a prominent critic of Scientology who now helps others leave the organization, offers an insider's profile of the beliefs, rituals, and secrets of the religion that has captured the fascination of millions, including some of Hollywood's brightest stars such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

©2013 Jenna Miscavige Hill (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Eye opening

Loved it! Never heard events from a childs perspective. It's hard to believe this kind of stuff was allowed to go on.

Terrifying and totally believable

This story was very easy to enjoy, despite the disturbing content. I can honestly say Jenna is a hero for speaking her story and her truth to the world. Scientology is evil, period.

Harrowing

This made Scientology real, and while that’s not a good thing, we are warned. A good listen for the family for the purpose of enlightenment.

No huge surprises, but a solid read

Lots of stories about the organization have emerged the last few years so nothing Earth shattering in this story, however interesting enough to keep me listening. It certainly reinforces the fact that whomever follows this so-called church is completely brainwashed. Its one thing when people make that decision for themselves but when it becomes abusive and criminally suppressive for members, it needs to be stopped. I continue to wonder how long authorities will allow this to go on unchallenged.
Narration is a little flat. Seems you can always tell when it's not the author of an autobiography doing the narration. She tries but it just sounds a little sugar-coated.

fascinating!

I enjoyed this book much more than I expected! of course I've already heard some things about scientology but I still found the descriptions of the author's experience, from start to finish, absolutely fascinating. I was afraid listening to this book would just make me angry, and it did, but I'm so glad I listened and knowing more is always good. I rooted for the author and I'm so happy that she was able to make her way out of that totally f'ed up world.

an eye opener

knowing everything that I know now about Scientology, few times I couldn't help but roll my eyes. so many things that Jenna had to go through, I said to myself that's your loving uncle's doings. but of course they would go that etc. I enjoyed the story very much. this cult needs to stop its disconnection practices. good point of view from a Miscavige family member.

Completely Riveting

if you're interested in (avoiding) the cult of Scientology you will be fascinated and completely engrossed in this THOROUGH account by the niece of its twisted leader.

Important book for deconstruction from any religion

Thank you Jenna for this book. Your personal story with Scientology shed so much light and room for inferencing on any religion. I am in the deconstructing process from a very conservative church of Christ and relate to many of the sentiments and experiences that you had.I would highly recommend this book to anyone willing to open their mind or at least hear from the perspective of your newly opened mind.

Pay no attention to the cult behind the curtain

Jenna Miscavige Hill's harrowing account of the casual child labor, family separation, brainwashing and total control of the "church" of scientology: It is well written and her story is easy to follow.

Courage

Jenna Miscavige Hill demonstrates the definition of courage in this book. The story is harrowing yet made me feel such hope for us all. It must be so hard to break free of the confounds of a destructive cult especially if you are born into it. Loved this story.